Your April 2025 edition
Welcome to the International Insights newsletter, a monthly roundup of news, opportunities and updates with an international focus, curated by Western International for the Western community.
Western students Alessia Haces-Tatone, Fiona McAllister, Levi Macleod, Nadia Schultz and Karen Wen (pictured left to right) attended the Outbound Mobility Social in March. They will spend the next academic year on exchange at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Students Connect Ahead of Education Abroad Experiences
Nearly 200 students registered to go abroad over the next year gathered in the International and Graduate Affairs Building Atrium for an Outbound Mobility social event in late March.
With more than 2,000 students preparing to participate in international programs between now and the end of next academic year, interest in opportunities to gain intercultural and experiential experiences abroad continues to grow.
“We know students are eager to connect with other students at this event before they travel, and to ask our staff members questions," said Eunjung Riauka, director of international learning at Western.
"We are thrilled to see so many students seeking out experiences that will allow them to build their skills and expand their perspectives."
"An exchange to the University of St Andrews presents the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, engage with new perspectives, and continue shaping the person I aspire to become." - Alessia Haces-Tatone, third-year student, Faculty of Health Sciences
“As an English student, I’m constantly reading and writing about the stories and experiences of others. I believe that studying abroad will give me the opportunity to create some stories of my own.” - Nadia Schultz, second-year student, English and Cultural Studies, Huron University College
"I wanted to participate in an exchange because it truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as I will study in a completely new environment, independently, without knowing a single soul in that country. I’m excited for the chance to challenge myself in that way." - Karen Wen, second-year student, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Western Scholar Awarded Grant to Deepen Research Ties in Chile
Abe Oudshoorn, associate dean (research) in the Faculty of Health Sciences, will travel to Santiago, Chile, for a five-week visiting scholar appointment supported by a Global Affairs Canada grant. His work will explore innovative grassroots health care responses to homelessness and foster international research collaborations.
“When we collaborate internationally, we can learn from places that are achieving better outcomes and use that evidence to advocate for change at home.” – Abe Oudshoorn
Summer International Student Orientation
Orientation programming is underway for new international students beginning at Western in May!
Whether they are new to Canada or they've been here for a while, they won't want to miss this program, featuring a mix of virtual and in-person information sessions, as well as in-person social events designed to help them meet new friends and feel welcome at Western. In-person activities will kick off May 2 with the opening of the Welcome Centre.
If you know a new student, please encourage them to take part in the programming.
Reminder: Safety Abroad Resources
Students, staff, and faculty planning international travel are encouraged to research their destination and take appropriate precautions to stay healthy and safe while abroad.
Before departing, travellers should review the steps for travel on the Safety Abroad website and become familiar with International SOS (ISOS), a 24/7 global service offering emergency assistance to Western community members overseas
It is also essential to ensure immigration documents are valid, particularly for non-Canadian citizens and those travelling with a work or study permit.
Pin Sun: Five Things About Me
- I am a Faculty-Led Study Abroad & Safety Abroad Coordinator. I support faculty members with their faculty-led international programs. I also support students who participate in university sanctioned international activities.
- I was an international student at Western 20 years ago. I still remember the first thing that impressed me when I landed in Canada – the blue sky in Toronto! I have studied, worked and started my family in London since then. You can tell how much I love London, or simply how lazy I am.
- I am passionate about facilitating cross-cultural communication. Prior to circling back to Western, I was a Community Interpreter supporting newcomers and Homestay Coordinator matchmaking international students with Canadian families. Now I help Canadian students explore the world through transformative experiences.
- I overcame my fear of bugs through a trip to Costa Rica. I used to be afraid of bugs and I was tasked to co-lead a study trip on Biodiversity. The first-hand exposure to rain forest creatures helped me get over my fear.
- I LOVE games that exercise logical thinking and detective skills. In my spare time, you can find me solving murder mysteries with friends or challenging ourselves with escape rooms.
Did you know?
International students who are authorized to work in Canada and need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) can come to one of our SIN clinics to meet one-on-one with a Service Canada representative and apply for their SIN on campus.
Clinics are held throughout the year and the next two are on May 2 and May 5.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
